Best Places to Move From Hawaii: How We Picked Where to Land

Written by Tina Haines who has made this move both directions.

We lived in Hawaii on Oahu for 4 years. We began talking about moving from Hawaii by the end of year three. There were several reasons why we made the decision to leave including cost of living (rent and groceries), our apartment (noise pollution), missing our families, and the cost of flying back and forth to the continent.

Once you decide to leave Hawaii, the next question is to where? Many former Hawaii residents move to the same areas on the continent according to data-backed patterns of where people go. This post will highlight the most common destinations for people leaving Hawaii, the factors that influenced our decision to leave, and how we ended up in Texas.

Also read: Signs It’s Time to Leave Hawaii

Quick Answer

A lot of former Hawaii residents commonly choose to relocate to California, Texas, Washington, Nevada, or Florida. These are states that offer either geographic familiarity, a lower cost of living, or both. We chose Texas because it is closer to family with much shorter flights to family and other states we plan to visit.

Key Takeaways

• California, Texas, and Washington consistently rank as the top three destinations for people leaving Hawaii, according to Census and IRS migration data
• Nationally, Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Georgia are the most-moved-to states in 2026, largely driven by lower cost of living and no/lower state income tax
• Cost of living, proximity to family, job market, and climate were the four biggest factors in most relocation decisions
• Some cities (Las Vegas, Seattle-area suburbs) have built informal “Hawaii transplant” communities, which can ease the adjustment
• There’s no universally “best” place to land. The right fit depends on which tradeoffs matter to you most

Where Most People Go When They Leave Hawaii

According to migration data, California sees the largest share of Hawaii out-migrants (about 17.5% in a recent dataset), followed by Texas, and Washington. A most recent 2024 Census/USAFacts data shows California, Texas, and Florida being the top three destinations.

These states dominate for a couple of main reasons. One reason is shorter flights back to the island which is why many move to the West Coast. No state income tax and a significantly lower cost of living is the second reason and why many choose Texas, Nevada, and Florida.

Popular “Hawaii Transplant” Destinations Worth Knowing About

Three of the most popular Hawaii transplant destinations include Seattle, Las Vegas, and Texas metros. The Seattle metro area (including Tacoma, Bellevue, and Spokane) is popular for cultural amenities and outdoor access. The cost of living is still high on those areas.

Las Vegas / Clark County, NV has become known as Hawaii’s “ninth island” with one of the fastest-growing Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander populations in the country. Texas metros are popular for having no stat income tax and lower housing and grocery costs in comparison to Hawaii.

We chose Texas because of its proximity to both of our families and shorter flights to other states that we plan on visiting. We also appreciate the lower cost of living as well.

The Factors That Actually Matter When Choosing a City

There are many factors that people consider when choosing the next city to live in. Here are some of the top factors when choosing a city to move to from Hawaii.

Cost of Living

This is probably the biggest reason many Hawaii residents choose to move off the island. States that have no income tax and lower housing costs are seeing the highest migration in 2026.

Proximity to Family

This was one of our main reasons for relocating from Hawaii. Flight time and costs to visit family were becoming a strain on us. We have missed many holidays and family milestones over the years.

Job Market

Career fields and industry will vary by city so this is worth researching before making your final decision.

Climate and Lifestyle Fit

Some people are seeking a familiar coastal and mountain access like Hawaii while others seek out a completely different climate. We were looking forward to experiencing actual season (particularly fall/winter).

How We Picked Dallas

We considered some of the top cities like San Diego and Las Vegas. San Diego’s cost of living is very high. We had only considered Texas because we have family that moved there. Then it came down to choosing a city close to the family we have here.

We liked that Texas is central to everyone we love and offers shorter flights to family as well as other states we want to visit. Researching the city before making the final decision helped us as we discovered that for the amount of rent we were paying in a small 1-bedroom apartment in Honolulu, we could rent a 2-bed/2-bath home with central air/heat.

Having lower grocery prices has been one of our favorite things about moving from Hawaii. We have so many more options to choose from for buying groceries as well as tons of retail stores to shop at.

After 4 years of living with high grocery prices, a noisy apartment, and limited options to shop, we are grateful for having made the move.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Choosing Your Next City

Here are some helpful questions to ask yourself before choosing the place you move to next:

• How long is the flight and what is the cost to fly back to Hawaii or to family from this city?
• Does my job or career filed have real opportunities here or would I need to make a change?
• What is the cost of living gap compared to what I’m paying in Hawaii now?
• Am I choosing this city for me and my family, or because it’s where “everyone” from Hawaii moves to?

What to Do Once You’ve Narrowed It Down

After you’ve picked the city you want to move to, it will be time to handle your lease (if it hasn’t ended) or home sale. You’ll also want to figure out what to ship versus what to sell or get rid of.

• Check out: Shipping Your Car and Belongings From Hawaii: What It Costs
• Related: Selling or Breaking a Lease in Hawaii Before You Move

Moving From Hawaii to Texas

Why Texas Is the Number One Destination for Hawaii Transplants

Texas is a popular option for Hawaii transplants for various reasons. For one, Texas has zero state income tax. That is a significant financial relief from Hawaii’s 11% top rate. The cost of living in Texas is 8% below the national average. Compare that to Hawaii’s 86% above.

Texas also has a booming job market in the tech, healthcare, energy, and remote work industries. To give you an idea of growth, the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is one of the fastest growing metro areas in the country. Many Hawaii transplants also like that Texas has a large and established military community.

Texas Cost of Living vs Hawaii: Real Numbers

• Median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment:
  • Hawaii (Oahu): approximately $2,600-$3,200 per month
  • Texas (Dallas area): approximately $1,400-$1,900 per month
  • Texas (Austin): approximately $1,600-$2,100 per month
  • Texas (San Antonio): approximately $1,100-$1,500 per month
    
• Median home price:
  • Hawaii (Oahu): approximately $1,000,000+
  • Texas (Dallas area): approximately $380,000-$450,000
  • Texas (Austin): approximately $500,000-$600,000
  • Texas (San Antonio): approximately $280,000-$350,000
    
• Grocery costs: Texas grocery prices run approximately 30-40% lower than Hawaii
• Gas prices: Texas averages significantly lower gas prices than Hawaii
• Electricity: Texas deregulated energy market means competitive rates (summer cooling costs are high)

What to Expect When Moving From Hawaii to Texas

The weather change takes some getting used to. Summers in Texas are extremely hot compared to Hawaii’s trade winds. Driving between cities have much longer distances as well. The food scene offers a lot more variety than Hawaii with options like Tex-Mex, BBQ, and diverse international options. Traffic is about the same when it comes to major cities in Texas.

Moving From Hawaii to Arizona

Why Arizona Is a Top Choice for People Leaving Hawaii

The cost of living is one main reason people choose to move to Arizona from Hawaii. The cost of living in Phoenix is approximately 3% above the national average which is signifcantly lower than Hawaii. The weather in Arizona also appeals to some Hawaii residents who prefer warmth without humidity. It is also a shorter flight from Arizona versus most mainland destinations.

Arizona Cost of Living vs Hawaii: Real Numbers

• Median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment:
  • Hawaii (Oahu): approximately $2,600-$3,200 per month
  • Arizona (Phoenix): approximately $1,400-$1,800 per month
  • Arizona (Scottsdale): approximately $1,800-$2,400 per month
  • Arizona (Tucson): approximately $1,000-$1,400 per month
    
• Median home price:
  • Hawaii (Oahu): approximately $1,000,000+
  • Arizona (Phoenix): approximately $380,000-$450,000
  • Arizona (Scottsdale): approximately $550,000-$700,000
  • Arizona (Tucson): approximately $280,000-$350,000
    
• Grocery costs: Arizona grocery prices run approximately 25-35% lower than Hawaii
• Electricity: Air conditioning costs in Arizona summers are significant
• Water: Arizona faces long term water scarcity concerns

What to Expect When Moving From Hawaii to Arizona

Arizona is a desert so you must adjust from Hawaii’s natural surroundings. Summers in Arizona usually exceed 110°F. It is quite an adjustment in comparison to Hawaii’s weather. What surprises many new residents is Arizona’s monsoon season that brings storms from July through September. Outdoor lovers will enjoy the recreation options in Arizona such as hiking and national parks. Due to population growth, the traffic has also increased. Water restrictions are part of daily life.

Moving From Hawaii to Nevada

Why Nevada Appeals to People Leaving Hawaii

Like Texas, Nevada doesn’t have state income tax. Las Vegas also has a large and established Hawaii transplant community. It is often referred to as the 9th island. The cost of living is also significantly lower than Hawaii. Employment opportunities are strong with Nevada’s gaming and hospitality industry. Expect a dry and warm climate which can be ideal after Hawaii’s humidity.

Nevada Cost of Living vs Hawaii: Real Numbers

• Median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment:
  • Hawaii (Oahu): approximately $2,600-$3,200 per month
  • Nevada (Las Vegas): approximately $1,400-$1,800 per month
  • Nevada (Reno): approximately $1,500-$1,900 per month
    
• Median home price:
  • Hawaii (Oahu): approximately $1,000,000+
  • Nevada (Las Vegas): approximately $380,000-$430,000
  • Nevada (Reno): approximately $450,000-$520,000
    
• Grocery costs: Nevada grocery prices run approximately 20-30% lower than Hawaii
• Electricity: High summer cooling costs in Las Vegas
• Entertainment: Las Vegas offers world class dining and entertainment

The Hawaii-Nevada Connection

There is a Hawaii-Nevada connection to be aware of. Las Vegas has one of the largest Hawaii transplant populations compared to other states. You’ll find a strong local Hawaii culture with Hawaiian restaurants (including Zippy’s), local plate lunch spots, and Hawaiian community organizations. Another perk is that Hawaiian Airlines flies direct between Honolulu and Las Vegas so return visits are easy and affordable.

Moving From Hawaii to Florida

Why Florida Attracts People Leaving Hawaii

Florida is another state that has zero state income like Texas and Nevada. Unlike the other states listed here, Florida has ocean access with the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Beach access eases the Hawaii transition. Florida’s climate is warm year round which is the closest to the weather in Hawaii.

Florida Cost of Living vs Hawaii: Real Numbers

• Median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment:
  • Hawaii (Oahu): approximately $2,600-$3,200 per month
  • Florida (Tampa): approximately $1,800-$2,200 per month
  • Florida (Orlando): approximately $1,700-$2,100 per month
  • Florida (Miami): approximately $2,400-$3,000 per month (more expensive)
  • Florida (Jacksonville): approximately $1,400-$1,800 per month
    
• Median home price:
  • Hawaii (Oahu): approximately $1,000,000+
  • Florida (Tampa): approximately $380,000-$450,000
  • Florida (Orlando): approximately $350,000-$420,000
  • Florida (Miami): approximately $550,000-$700,000+
  • Florida (Jacksonville): approximately $280,000-$360,000
    
• Grocery costs: Florida grocery prices run approximately 15-25% lower than Hawaii
• Insurance: Florida has very high homeowner and auto insurance costs
• Humidity: Florida is extremely humid and it is more intense in summer

What to Expect When Moving From Hawaii to Florida

In terms of climate and ocean access, Florida is the closest mainland experience to Hawaii. Hurricane season is from June through November. The heat and humidity during the summer is more oppressive than Hawaii’s warmth with the cooling trade winds. Even with easy ocean access, the Atlantic and Gulf are different from the Pacific in terms of water temperature, wave patterns, and marine life. There are also no mountains in Florida. Florida does have the largest Hawaiian community on the East Coast (Tampa and Orlando).

Flight Time From Hawaii

• Nevada (Las Vegas): approximately 5.5 hours
• Arizona (Phoenix): approximately 5.5 hours
• California: approximately 5 hours
• Texas (Dallas): approximately 8-9 hours
• Florida (Orlando): approximately 10-11 hours

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

As of this writing, we have been living in Texas for a little over a month. We are still becoming accustomed to the weather here. It gets really hot in the summer and we have yet to experience the winter months yet but are excited none the less.

Our living situation has greatly improved. For example, for the same amount of rent in Hawaii, we are able to rent a house versus a one bedroom apartment. Groceries are far more affordable and so is gas.

When choosing the best places to move from Hawaii, consider living costs, how close you are to family, the job market, and the climate. No place will fit all of your requirements 100% but some may get a lot closer than others.